Neste to supply SAF to DHL Express at Singapore Changi Airport

Photo: DHL

Neste and DHL Express, the world’s leading international express-service provider, have strengthened their collaboration with the supply of 7,400 tons (more than 2.5 million gallons) of unblended Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ to DHL Express at Singapore Changi Airport starting this month.

This marks one of Asia’s largest SAF deals by volume in the air-cargo sector and helps accelerate the joint effort of reducing greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions from air-cargo transports.

As part of the global partnership to decarbonize air and road transport, Neste will supply DHL Express with CORSIA-eligible SAF produced locally at its refinery in Singapore, the world’s largest SAF production facility, for a period of one year from July 2025 to June 2026.

The volume of SAF procured under this partnership is one of the largest purchased by DHL in Asia-Pacific and marks DHL’s first direct procurement of SAF for its flights from Singapore to Asia and the Americas.

Neste will deliver the SAF blended with conventional jet fuel directly into Changi Airport’s fuel-distribution facilities using the company’s integrated supply chain from the Singapore refinery.

The purchased SAF will account for approximately 35 percent to 40 percent of the overall fuel-blend composition and is designated for DHL Express’ five Boeing 777 freighters based at DHL’s South Asia Hub located at Changi Airport and departing from the airport 12 times a week.

“This partnership with Neste to procure and uplift SAF for DHL Express’ international air-cargo flights from Singapore is a significant milestone for us,” said Christopher Ong, the managing director for DHL Express Singapore. “Not only will it enable us to gain new strides in emissions reduction in air transport, it also allows us to strengthen our commitment to customers to provide more sustainable shipping options. As one of the largest users of SAF globally, DHL Express is leading the way towards more sustainable logistics and driving voluntary demand for SAF adoption. We are not just meeting industry standards but setting them.”

Carl Nyberg, an executive with Neste, added, “We are excited to expand our cooperation with DHL to Singapore, a leading aviation hub in Asia-Pacific. It leverages our SAF production and supply capabilities in Singapore and demonstrates how we are working with DHL globally to help the company achieve its air-transportation decarbonization targets using a solution that is available at scale today.”

The agreement will contribute to Singapore’s target to reduce carbon emissions in the aviation sector through a target of 1 percent SAF use on all passenger and cargo flights from 2026 onwards.

SAF is a renewable aviation fuel providing a more sustainable alternative to conventional, fossil-based jet fuel.

Using Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ reduces GHG emissions by up to 80 percent over the fuel’s lifecycle compared to using conventional jet fuel.

Neste’s SAF is made from 100 percent renewable waste and residue raw materials, such as used cooking oil and animal-fat waste.

SAF is certified for commercial use and can currently be blended up to 50 percent with conventional jet fuel before use.

It works seamlessly with existing aircraft engines and fueling infrastructure.

Today, Neste’s global SAF production capability is 1.5 million tons per year, and it is set to grow to 2.2 million tons in 2027.